SIR W.: I was always aware you had the very devil of a temper, Florence,
and now, after fifteen years of married life, I make the discovery that
you can be excessively--ahem!--unladylike.
LADY FLO: It's highly amusing to hear you express an opinion on the
subject of how a lady should behave. When one remembers your sisters,
one is inclined to believe you were not, perhaps, brought up in a school
of the very highest standard.
SIR W.: You insult my sisters! _(Becomes much excited and takes her by
the arm.)_ Repeat that again!
(_Enter JEM. Stands in amazement._)
JEM: For Heaven's sake, what _is_ the matter?
SIR W.: Ask your Aunt Florence, my dear boy.
LADY FLO: I feel positively ashamed that you should come upon us--upon
your uncle, I mean--at a moment when he is behaving like a raving
madman!
JEM: A raving madman! My uncle Jem!
LADY FLO: Man-like, you side with a man! (_With increasing agitation_) I
have always known your uncle to be a weak, nerveless----(_Enter KITTY.
Looks around, dumfounded._)
[Illustration: JEM: "WHAT IS THE MATTER?"]
KITTY: Dear aunty! I'm frightened! You can't be well! What does this
mean?
LADY FLO: Only that your husband is inciting mine to be abusive.
KITTY: Impossible!
LADY FLO: Woman-like, you side with a man! Let me tell you that your
poor uncle is pitiable in his foolishness this morning.
SIR W.: Florence! Once for all, I assert my authority. Be silent this
moment, or I shall feel obliged to ask you to return home.
LADY FLO: Without you?
SIR W.: If that pleases you!
LADY FLO: It would suit me remarkably well.